The people of Vijayapura are up in arms against the Karnataka state government's perceived indifference towards their long-standing demand for a fully government-run medical college in the city. The situation escalated recently when police took action against peaceful agitators, leading to arrests and widespread condemnation from local organizations.
Clashes and Arrests Mar Peaceful Protest
On January 1, a group of determined protesters set out for a demonstration in front of District Minister MB Patil, despite the police having denied permission for the gathering. A scuffle broke out when police attempted to stop the demonstrators. During the altercation, Sanganabasava Swami of the Hunshyal Mutt and five others were arrested and sent to judicial custody. The arrests were made after the Swami allegedly slapped a police sub-inspector. The very next morning, authorities dismantled the tent where the agitators had been holding their sit-in protest.
This police action has been strongly condemned by several local organizations, which are now demanding the immediate release of those arrested. While the physical agitation has been temporarily halted, the local community has issued a warning, stating they will intensify their protest in other forms if their demands are not met.
The Core of the Conflict: PPP Model vs. Fully Government College
The heart of the issue lies in the state government's proposal to establish the medical college on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The citizens of Vijayapura district are firmly opposed to this idea. They argue that a PPP model would effectively hand over the college's operations to the private sector, which would inevitably focus on profit-making. This, they fear, would make medical education unaffordable for economically weak but meritorious students from the region.
Frustrated by the government's lack of response to their pleas against the PPP model, the people came together to form a collective forum. This forum launched a continuous sit-in dharna, which had reached its 106th day on January 1 when the clash with police occurred.
Protesters highlight that Vijayapura already possesses a well-equipped government hospital and 150 acres of land earmarked for the medical college's construction. They argue that this existing infrastructure would significantly reduce the financial burden on the state government.
Public Sentiment and Political Expectations
Senior journalist Gopal Naik echoed the public's frustration, questioning the government's logic. "The government's intention behind a medical college on a PPP model defies logic. The government needs to spend just Rs 50-100 crore for the necessary infrastructure. The citizens' demand is justified. Petty politics should not deprive the people," Naik stated.
He further emphasized the district's urgent need for the facility, noting, "Vijayapura district has 13 taluks and around 2,000 villages. People from the district are forced to go to Bengaluru or Pune to consult with specialists. A government medical college in the district will help bring back doctors from the district who have moved outside."
All eyes are now on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is scheduled to visit Vijayapura on January 9 to launch several development projects. The people of Vijayapura expect the Chief Minister to clearly clarify the government's stand on the medical college issue during his visit. The outcome of this interaction will likely determine the future course of the agitation in this northern Karnataka district.
